Joseph Anthony Caldarella, 70, of Oak Grove, MO, passed away August 12, 2021. Visitation will be 2-5 p.m. Sunday, August 15, at Passantino Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, August 16, at the Funeral Home, followed by burial at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Contributions are suggested to the ASPCA, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Lupus Research Alliance.

Joe was born January 28, 1951, in Kansas City, MO. He was married to Cheryl Hall on October 10, 1969. This union blessed them with two amazing children, Michelle and Bryan. They lived in Independence, MO several years before building their home in Oak Grove, where they raised their kids.

Joe was employed by Armco Steel for 23 years before becoming a utility specialist with the Missouri Department of Transportation for 17 years until he retired.  He was a devoted Catholic and his faith ran deep. He was proud of his Italian heritage and family meant everything to him. Joe loved his kids beyond measure and his grandchildren were his crowning glory. He would do absolutely anything for them and his devotion to his family was unwavering. He was a loving, loyal husband to Cheryl and their long-lasting love set an example to their kids to follow in their own lives.

Joe spent so many wonderful times with Cheryl and their kids and grandkids at their happy place – their cabin at The Lake of the Ozarks. Laughter and love was always abundant when they were all together and there was never a dull moment or lack of crazy fun. He enjoyed bass fishing and fished competitively in tournaments for some years. He loved to sit on the deck and watch boats go by and watch his kids and grandkids fish and play in the water.

Joe was jovial and had such a sense of humor and pleasant way that anyone who was around him couldn't help but smile and love him. The world was definitely a better place with Joe in it and he will be so deeply missed by his family and friends, and his sidekick and devoted basset hound Lily.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents Anthony and Santina Caldarella; his brothers Phil and Tony; and his beloved basset hound Lewis. He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl; daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Randy Wilson; son and daughter-in-law Bryan and Alanna Caldarella; grandchildren Chelsey Frauenhoffer (Justin), Callen and Corinne Caldarella; great-grandchildren Gracie, Kingston, Adyn, Amelia, and Theodore; as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, close friends, and dog Lily.

Pallbearers: Anthony Bonino, Michah Caldarella, Josh Caldarella, Jason Kleyh, Phil Caldarella, Phillip Bonino, Tom Spitaleri.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com